Microsoft Kicks Off Build 2025 with a Bang: Store Fees Eliminated for Individual Developers
In a move that's sending ripples through the app development world, Microsoft has just announced a game-changing update to its Microsoft Store policy. As part of its Build 2025 developer conference, the tech giant is eliminating fees for individual developers who want to publish their apps on Windows 10 and Windows 11. This means, starting next month, getting your app into the Microsoft Store will be completely free for individual developers – a first among major digital storefronts.
Previously, Microsoft charged a one-time fee of $19 for individual developers. Now, that’s gone. To put this into perspective, Google currently charges a one-time $25 fee, while Apple requires an annual $99 fee. This makes Microsoft’s move a significant step towards democratizing app development and opening the doors to a wider range of creators.
"This will make Microsoft Store on Windows the first global digital store to waive the fee for publishing apps," Microsoft stated in the Build 2025 book of news. The move is aimed at making the Microsoft Store a more inclusive and accessible platform, empowering more developers to innovate, share, and thrive within the Windows ecosystem. It's a clear signal that Microsoft is serious about attracting indie developers and fostering a vibrant app ecosystem. However, the organization accounts will still be subject to a fee of $99.
This announcement comes at a time when Apple is facing increasing scrutiny and legal pressure over its App Store fees. While Apple still levies an annual fee and commission charges, Microsoft is positioning itself as a more developer-friendly alternative. Google’s one-time fee now looks comparatively less appealing.
Microsoft isn't just removing fees; they're also rolling out other developer-focused features, including Model Context Protocol support for AI agentic experiences and a new App Actions API. These additions, coupled with the fee waiver, underscore Microsoft's commitment to making Windows a compelling platform for developers of all sizes.
For developers who choose to use Microsoft's commerce platform, a 12% fee for games and a 15% fee for apps will still apply. However, developers who opt to use their own commerce systems will keep 100% of the revenue for non-gaming apps, making Microsoft's revenue-sharing policy quite competitive.
This opens up possibilities for hobbyist developers, students, and independent creators to get their applications in front of millions of Windows and Xbox users without the financial barrier. The removal of the fee also invites a wider range of applications, possibly filling gaps in the current Microsoft Store offerings.
What do you think about Microsoft's decision to eliminate app store fees? Will this attract more developers to the Windows platform? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
